About

This website is a place to help new students learn American Sign Language (ASL). Learning ASL from a textbook description alone is hard since ASL is a non-verbal language and, because signs depend on handshape, movement, and facial expression all at once. Here, every sign is shown as a short animated GIF so you can watch it as many times as you need. We also provide information on the 5 parameters for each sign provided and checked by ASL professors and Trained Interpreters.

The dictionary was built for the Kent State ASL program with the help of their faculty, and every sign was contributed by a teacher who gave permission for it to be shared and used here. It is meant to support your classes and help with practice not replace anyone or anything.

How signs are organized

1. Source

Signs are first grouped by the curriculum they come from:

• SN: Signing Naturally
• TWA: True Way ASL
• MISC: miscellaneous everyday signs, such as foods and places

2. Unit

Each source is divided into units. Pick a source first, then choose one of its units to narrow the dictionary down.

3. Word search

The search field looks for matching sign words. You can combine it with a source and unit filter.

4. Sign details

Each sign entry can include the following. These are often called the parameters of a sign.

• Gloss: a written label or meaning for the sign.
• Handshape: the shape and position of the fingers and hand, such as a flat hand, a fist, or the letter "C". Majority of which stem from the ASL Alphabet
• Palm orientation: the direction the palm faces during the sign, such as up, down, left, right, outward, or inward.
• Location: where the sign is made on or near the body, usually somewhere between the head and the waist, such as the forehead, chin, or neutral space in front of you.
• Movement: what the hands do, including the path, speed, and repetition, such as tapping, circles, or arcs.
• Non-manual signals: facial expressions, head nods and shakes, mouth shapes, and body posture, which add grammar, tone, and emotion.

5. Media

Each entry includes a short animated GIF so you can see the sign's movement, handshape, and overall production.

A sign can appear under more than one source and unit, since the same sign may be taught in several places.

SN and TWA are used only as labels for where a sign is taught. This site does not reproduce any textbook content.